At Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, our mission is to be Christ’s merciful love to those who suffer. Every bag of groceries, every dental appointment, every class, every safe night of shelter, and every act of compassion is rooted in that mission.
But behind each act of mercy is an important question: How can we serve better? That is where data becomes an essential part of our work.
Catholic Charities has a dedicated data analytics team made up of Peter Chacon, Sister Lucy Marie Fitzmorris, and Doyinsolami Osobukola. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it strengthens every program by helping us understand needs, measure impact, steward resources wisely, and improve how we care for the people who come to us for help.
At first glance, data may not seem like the language of mercy. Numbers, reports, charts, and databases can feel far removed from the personal, human work of Catholic Charities. But when used well, data helps us see people more clearly. It helps us recognize patterns, respond to needs, and make thoughtful decisions that allow our services to reach farther.
Each of our programs gathers information connected to the services it provides. In our food programs, that includes how much food is donated or purchased, where it comes from, where it goes, how many households are served, and how much food spoils before it can be given away. This helps us manage inventory, reduce waste, stretch donor dollars, and ensure food reaches families in the right places at the right time.
Other programs gather information that helps us better understand the needs of the people we serve. This may include family size, housing status, income challenges, employment barriers, health needs, educational goals, or other factors affecting a person’s stability. A family may first come to Catholic Charities needing food, but data may help reveal a larger pattern of need connected to housing, transportation, employment, medical care, or education. This allows us to connect clients to additional services, identify gaps in care, and work toward long-term stability.
Through dashboards like this, Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma can track services, understand trends, steward resources, and strengthen the way we serve our neighbors in need.
Peter Chacon, Director of Program Analytics, has served at Catholic Charities for six years. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, he holds degrees in Economics, Mechanical Engineering, and Theology.
Sister Lucy Marie Fitzmorris, a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph Monastery in Tulsa, has served at Catholic Charities for four and a half years. She holds degrees in Computer Engineering and Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and serves as Inventory Manager and Program Analytics Lead.
Doyinsolami Osobukola, Database Coordinator, joined Catholic Charities in June 2025. She holds a degree in Physics Electronics from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria, a postgraduate diploma in Public Health from the University of Suffolk, and a master’s degree in Business Analytics from the University of Tulsa.
Together, this team helps Catholic Charities answer important questions: Who are we serving? What needs are increasing? Are resources being used well? Are clients becoming more stable? How can we improve?
These questions matter because the people we serve matter.
For our donors, data provides a true picture of the impact of your generosity. It helps us report outcomes, apply for grants, build partnerships, plan for the future, and remain accountable to those who trust us with their gifts.
Most importantly, data helps us stay attentive. It helps us notice who is suffering, understand what they need, and respond with greater compassion, wisdom, and effectiveness.